Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic/29th September to 6th October 2018
Sexual Violence: A Global Pandemic
Written by Sabah Batul
Blogging Team
Sexual violence is a global pandemic. One in three women experiences sexual or physical violence – most likely from their intimate partner, according to a report from the World Health Organization. There is an urgent need to increase sensitization regarding sexual violence and the awareness of consent and sexual violence amongst persons at large. In this series, we examine sexual violence and related issues that have come up in the news, on a weekly basis, published every Saturday. This is an attempt to improve awareness regarding incidents of sexual violence and related matters, so that we, as a society can take steps towards collective action to reduce its incidence. It is an effort to ensure that we acknowledge the rampant sexual violence that exists, lest we forget.
This issue looks at news from 29th September to 6th October 2018
- A Nobel Peace Prize for our brave warriors
Nobel Peace Prize 2018 recognized warriors against sexual violence.
Nadia Murad – a Yazidi human rights activist, and a survivor of sexual slavery in Iraq and Denis Mukwege – a gynaecologist of the Democratic Republic of Congo who treats sexually abused victims were the recipients of this award.
The award is given in order to recognize their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.
2)Relief for our esteemed Veterans
The U.S is planning towards proposing a bill called the Violence Against Women Veterans Act, under which women veterans would receive help and support to protect them from domestic violence.
Although the legislation is named to support women, it would protect both men and women from domestic abuse, as there is a widespread domestic violence amongst the veteran community.
3)Disappointed: A bus of hopeful survivors
A week ago, a bus full of sexually assaulted victims along with Amanda O’Brien travelled for ten hours to meet with Sen. Susan Collins. They hoped to receive support from the senator against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Although the senator was supportive at the time, she later this week voted a ‘yes’ to advance the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh.
4) The band aide response
Nepal government banned over 24,000 porn sites to curb sexual violence in response to the brutal rape and murder of 13-year-old Nirmala Panta in July. But social activists argue that the real problem is injustice towards women, and a mere blocking of porn sites is in fact ‘ridiculous’.
5) Staining the Holy Banks of Ganges
A footage of two men allegedly raping a woman bathing in the Ganges has provoked a widespread response of disgust. The appalling assault was filmed by the suspects in order to record their victim’s ordeal.
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In case you like this new series, hate it, or think there are stories that we should be covering but have missed out on, please email us at [email protected] We look forward to your inputs and feedback!
